Watch Us Grow!: Cecelia's First Christmas

Well, another holiday has come and gone. Cecelia's first Christmas was a busy one. On Christmas Eve we went to Mass with Great Nana followed by the Stark family get-together. It was the first time in awhile that all of Matt's siblings were together, making the holiday extra special. CeCe was loved up by everyone at the party. However, because the celebration fell during her 7 to 11 p.m. fussy time, she needed lots of bouncing and swaying to keep quiet. Santa came to Nana and Pops' house. Cecelia got lots of toys and books.

On Christmas morning we all went to Weiss family Christmas brunch. CeCe and cousin Grey received matching "Born in 2007" onesies and sat somewhat still for Uncle Jake while he took photos under the Christmas tree (trying to get Uncle Jake to upload those photos for us before we publish this post). Santa Claus came to Oma and Papa's house, as well. CeCe got a really cool crib mobile that plays classical music and features dancing animals. We had to try it out right away and found that - for perhaps the first time - CeCe seemed happy to be on her back in a crib. She just loved the music.

Yesterday Matt and I set-up the new ipod stereo that he received for Christmas and had a dance party with Cecelia. Apparently we should have been playing songs for her all along because we've learned that she loves all types. I think Matt played everything from Dean Martin to Black Eyed Peas all with the same result - a very happy and relaxed looking CeCe. We ended the evening by playing the Coldplay lullabies CD that Cecelia received from Aunt Shelle and Uncle Jake. She loved it so much she fell asleep.

We're noticing so many changes in CeCe over the past week alone. She's begun smiling more and more, which delights us to no end. She's also been "talking" a ton and expressing her happiness through leg kicks.

We're looking forward to enjoying a low-key New Year's Eve at home with our little darling. Matt and I have been reflecting on the drastic change our lives have taken since last New Year's Eve when we were forced to dine-and-dash, nearly were mugged at the Arc de Triomphe roundabout and close to death in a cab on our way to Charles de Gaulle. We both agree - we'll take this lifestyle over any one we've had previously.